Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect of the Six Sigma management method in process optimization for high-value medical consumable management in the cardiac catheterization room. Methods: The process followed the five basic and implementation steps of Six Sigma methodology, including Definition, Measurement, Analysis, Improvement and Control (DMAIC). Questionnaire, Kano analysis, SIPOC high-level flow chart, fishbone diagram analysis and crisis-opportunity matrix analysis were used to compare the differences on the timely response rate of the agency, the correct rate of consumables entering and leaving the warehouse, and the satisfaction of patients and medical staff before and after the Six Sigma management method was implemented. Result: The defect per million opportunities (DPMO) of high-value consumables was reduced from 366 400 to 48 800, and the capacity of the distribution process was increased from 1.87σ to 3.25σ. Nurses successfully completed the billing process on the first try with the DPMO reduced from 181 900 to 10 000, and with the capacity of billing process increased from 2.37σ to 3.87σ. After the Six Sigma management method was applied, the DPMO of the scanned-out supplies from the warehouse was decreased from 274 000 to 86 400, and the capacity of the scanning out process increased from 2.12σ to 2.89σ. Meanwhile, the satisfaction of nurses, patients and medical staff in the catheterization room was significantly improved. Conclusion: Using Six Sigma DMAIC management method to optimize the management process can effectively improve the management efficiency and quality of high-value medical consumables in the catheterization room.

Key words: Six Sigma; catheterization room; high-value medical consumables; process optimization; management